Humanities
Mr. Waterman & Ms. Sonni
Hamlet Essay
Due Date: Monday, March 14
Below you will see four prompts. Choose one to guide your essay. This is a literature analysis, which
means you are presenting an argument about the literature. It is strongly recommended to use outside
sources.
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Theme Analysis: There are many themes in Hamlet; pick one to investigate in more detail. You
may choose to discuss the theme of madness, revenge, family, wordplay or any other theme
(please run by me) that is of interest. Your essay should analyze the play through a specific lens to
create a thesis and interpretation unique to your selected theme.
Character Analysis: Probe Hamlet’s mind. Get inside it and explore every niche and crevice.
Then, attempt to explain why he acts as he does. True, his behavior is in large part a reaction to his
father’s death and his mother’s marriage to Claudius. But what else bothers Hamlet? Is he angry
because he himself did not succeed to the throne? Does the ghost cause him to dwell morbidly on
the afterlife? Does he suddenly hate all women because of what his mother did?
Character Analysis: Write an essay entitled “Hamlet’s Deepest Secrets.” In this essay, argue that
Hamlet harbors disturbing secrets, such as the following: (1) as a child, he was neglected by King
Hamlet and Gertrude and, therefore, grew up resenting them; (2) he believes he might really be the
child of Claudius; and (3) he is sexually attracted to his mother (Oedipus complex). Evidence
appears in the play to support–but not prove–such theories.
Analysis: “…forty thousand brothers / could not with all their quantity of love / Make up my
sum,” Hamlet says as he rages against Laertes beside Ophelia’s grave. In all the writing about
Hamlet “love” is less discussed than “revenge” or “madness.” Yet it plays a vitally important part
in the tragedy in many ways. Consider each major character and identify who (or what – Polonius
loves the sound of his own voice) they love, and if that love is returned or changes. Use your
findings to write an extended essay: “The importance of love in Hamlet.”
Your choice: You may create your own prompt, but please run it by me first.
Guidelines:
 The paper will be about 1,000 words – typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font.
 The final draft will be turned in twice. You will hand in a hardcopy (the old-fashioned, printed
copy) and upload the paper to turnitin.com. Both of these must be turned in to receive credit.
 Paper must be turned in even if you are excused. Failure to do so will result in a late paper.
 This essay must have a works cited page.
Reminders:
 This is a major writing assignment. We will have class time to work, but the majority will be done
on your own time.
 The writing lab is available for your use. Sign up in the English Office, room 251 at least 24
hours before your visit. I will award five points extra credit on your paper if you visit the writing
lab (and I’m sure your grade will improve as well).
 Be sure your thesis is a strong argument that will guide your entire paper.
 Avoid 1st and 2nd person (I and you)
 There will be no first draft due, but you can turn the essay in at any point and I will provide
feedback.